Throughout the 2016-2017 winter season, Boarding for Breast Cancer made its way across the country to 7 different mountain resorts for the B4BC Shred the Love series. There were rail jams, a banked slalom, board-a-thons, cross-country skiing, and more.
This past weekend on April 8th, we wrapped up one of the best seasons yet by bringing us back to where we all started with the iconic B4BC Shred the Love Snow + Music Festival at Sierra-at-Tahoe. Thanks to love and support (which was felt radiating across the mountain), and nearly 1,800 people coming out to support our cause, B4BC was able to raise $10k towards our education, outreach, and survivor programs.
One of the last things we would have expected was a pow day in the middle of April. The snow gods delivering amazing snow and a few rays of sunshine, it was the kind of day we all live for. Energy was high, good vibes were everywhere, and we were stoked.
To get the day started, we kicked off with a mellow Vinyasa Flow yoga session led by local teacher Laura Mate. Feeling inspired and energized, we hit the slopes to soak in some of those fluffy pow lines before B4BC’s Park Jam competition, which brought competition from age ranges 8-30 years old.
Throughout the day, we had loads of activities and fun to partake in. Art as an expression is important to us here at B4BC, and believe us – we had tons of it. Adam Robinson, co-owner of Onus Art Projects, an organization who’s hand crafted and uniquely created pieces are made from 100% reclaimed and recycled materials, live painted a piece specifically created and donated to B4BC. Trevor Kekkee painted on a YES. Clark board hand carved by legendary Chris Christenson.
Tara Tate of Arbor Girls brought 7 Arbor decks painted by various artists including Rachel Fritz, Monica Lopez, Ali Woliver, Emily Chisum, Claire Sweethammer, and Erin Chon. Throughout Solstice bar was a photo gallery displaying some of the most iconic photos through the history of snowboarding. Our silent auction included pieces including hand painted skate decks, skis, snowboards, paintings, and much more.
DJ Headphone and Horses played jams that anyone could enjoy through our vendor village in Solstice Bar. Thirty Two, Dakine, SkullCandy, DC, VonZipper, Nixon, and Eekoe supplied the games and prizes including Jenga, darts, bra pong, and much more. Boarders were also able to try out some of next year’s boards by Arbor, YES., and GNU. Over at The Sierra Pub, Truckee Tribe filled the room with reggae tunes.
We are so thankful for the support of the snow industry coming together for our cause. Throughout the Shred the Love series this season, we made stops at Camelback Mountain Resort, Snow Summit, Big Bear Mountain Resort, Trollhaugen, Sugar Bowl, Mammoth Mountain, Taos as well as Sierra. In total we were able to raise over $60,000. These funds support our year round educational outreach, and young survivor retreats. We are on the road nearly 10 months out of the year providing one-on-one peer education and valuable preventative information to hundreds of thousands of young people with the simple message that Early Detection + Healthy, Active Lifestyle = Best Prevention. Through B4BC’s Chasing Sunshine Project and survivor programs, we hope to inspire, empower and support young women and those affected by cancer.
Tahoe – We’ll see you again on July 28-29th for B4BC’s 13th annual Skate the Lake!
A very special thank you to everyone who came out, Sierra-at-Tahoe for hosting us and once again welcoming us with open arms, and the support of our partners and this industry that we call home. We are forever grateful and humbled by all of these pieces coming together and powering us to make an impact. Thank you to Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for giving us a home for the weekend, and our sponsors without which this wouldn’t be possible: Dakine, Arbor, YES., Nixon, Skullcandy, VonZipper, ThirtyTwo, DC, GNU, Never Summer, Eekoe, 686, Holden, Bonfire, and Nikita.
